Geraldine Holmes Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of (Gerri) of Dwight, Illinois announces her passing on June 1, 2021, at the age of 55. Gerri will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bill (William) and their children, Gerry (Peter), Loreli (Tony), Amanda, Rebecca (Ryan), Cassie, and the late Vanessa. She was an immensely proud, loving Gamma to her grandchildren who adored her whole-heartedly and will be fondly remembered by her five grandchildren Victorya, Dante, Ceanna, Audriana, and the soon-to-be born Penelope. Gerri was the precious daughter of Geri (née O'Neill) (Tom) Coughlin and the late Jess Manos. Gerri was the special daughter-in-law to Lucille (née Reynolds, late Cy) Holmes. Gerri is also survived by her brother Tommy (Honey) Manos and the late Jess Manos, Jr., her half-siblings Jessica (Brian) Lacy, Justin Manos, step-sister Susie (Tim) Zels, and her soul-sister Maria (late Rob) Cuddy. She was an aunt to Zachary, Sarah, and the late Hope Manos, Alexander Zels, and Michael Murphy. She is a special niece to Maryrita (late George Schuth and Dan Hodson), Lynn, Tommy and the late Terry O'Neill, Jim (Donna) Manos, Maybelle (Randy) Hage, Mary Evelyn Manos, Sharon (Ken) Horacek, William (Sonya) Coughlin and Gerri (late Ronald) Pacer. She has many loving cousins, family members, and friends. Gerri will also be deeply missed by her four-legged animal companions.

Gerri grew up in Jamul, California and her favorite mountain to climb has The Stairway to Heaven on it. She graduated from Jamul Elementary and Oak Grove Middle School. She attended Valhalla High School. She loved playing softball and her interest in sports extended to her favorite football team which has been the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Roger Staurbach.

Gerri returned to her birthplace in the Chicago area where she met her life-long partner, best friend, and soulmate, Bill. Gerri graduated with honors from Hubbard High School and St. Xavier University. She received her Masters of Education from Olivet Nazarene University. Gerri was always an outstanding student, and this extended in her community work and the numerous roles she took on. She served as a substitute teacher for many years in several school districts and had a love of inspiring students to continue their own learning journeys. Gerri instilled the importance and love of education in her girls who have all continued into post-secondary education and beyond. She was a special Brownie Leader and Sunday School teacher for many years, and an active role model in the lives of her girls. She loved to dance with her girls and sing songs together.

Visitation for Gerri will be on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 2-7:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Monday, June 7, 2021 beginning with prayers at 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home followed by procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan for 11:00 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial. Cremation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider making a donation in Gerri's memory to the Alzheimer's Association by visiting www.alz.org, this donation would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.